Rep. Lankford to Bring Commencement Address

May 1, 2013

U.S. Rep. James Lankford will return to Oklahoma to bring the Spring Commencement Address to OBU's graduates on Friday, May 17.

Rep. Lankford was elected to the United States Congress on Nov. 2, 2010, representing Oklahoma's Fifth District. The Republican legislator serves on the House Committees on Budget and Oversight and Government Reform, where he is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care, and Entitlements. He also was elected chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee for the 113th Congress.

While serving in Congress, Lankford works diligently studying each issue facing Congress and its impact on families in Oklahoma. He has earned the respect of his colleagues on budget issues. He also emerged as a leader in fighting government regulations on businesses. From EPA regulations on the energy industry to the negative impact of regulations on banks and financial institutions, Lankford said he fights for prosperity in Oklahoma and the nation.

Before his election, he served as director of Falls Creek Youth Camp from 1996 to 2009. Falls Creek is the largest youth camp in the United States, supported by 150 staff members with more than 51,000 students and adults attending each summer. He also coordinated mission trips and community service trips in Belize, Malawi, England, Wales and Germany, as well as many areas of Oklahoma.

James has been married to his wife Cindy for more than 20 years. They have two daughters, Hannah and Jordan.

In addition to the address from Rep. Lankford, the program includes greetings by officials from the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and induction of the graduates into the OBU Alumni Association. OBU President David W. Whitlock will present a charge to the graduates.

OBU's 2013 Spring Commencement will begin at 3 p.m. May 17 in Potter Auditorium of John Wesley Raley Chapel on the university campus in Shawnee. Tickets are required for admittance.